July 2008

County Sports Partnership Update

Executive Board Meeting

At the recent Board meeting members considered the following reports:

Agreeing the new Constitution
Endorsing the Extending Activities Year 1 Delivery Plan
Agreeing the process for supporting and allocating workforce development plan funding to support National Governing Bodies of Sport Coach Development Plans across Staffordshire
Receiving reports on finance and performance for quarter 1
Discussing how the Partnership will 'move forward' following the launch of Sport England's new Strategy for Sport 2008-2011 and agreeing a consultation process with core sub regional Partners.

To read the reports - click here.

For more information contact:

Mark Thornewill, Director
Tel: 01785 619896
Email: mthornewill@staffordbc.gov.uk

Special Schools Sports Festival

Athletes from the county's special schools were the stars of the day as Shobnall Leisure Centre hosted Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent's Special Schools Sports Festival on Wednesday the 2nd of July. Over 200 pupils from 12 of the County's Special Schools enjoyed a day to remember.

To read more click here.

Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Youth Games

Over 550 young athletes from across the county competed in Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent’s Youth Games at Stoke-on-Trent’s Fenton Manor Sports Complex and Newcastle-under-Lyme’s Roe Lane Playing Fields on the 5th July.

To read more click here.

ACCESS Across Staffordshire Grants

The partnership received 8 applications following the recent release of a third round of ACCESS Across Staffordshire funding. The Equality & Diversity group have met to review the applications which are now being assessed by the Executive Board Finance and Investment Champions.

It is hoped that all successful projects will be made aware by the end of July. It is hoped that a forth round of funding will be made available with money available to support four projects.

Those projects that have been previously awarded will shortly be evaluated and project information and success stories will be posted on the Sport Across Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent website.

For more information contact:

Naomi Bird
Tel: 01785 619585
Email: nbird@staffordbc.gov.uk

Workshops

SASSOT will shortly be sending a Workshop Programme survey for completion by key individuals i.e. National Governing Bodies, Sport Development Officers and Partnership Development Managers.

The aim of this survey is for SASSOT to collate feedback relating to the Workshop Programme and identify which subject areas to include for the 2008 - 2009 Programme.

The feedback and comments from this survey will enable us to identify the key areas of workshops which will help to support and develop Coaches and Volunteers.

Later in August 2008, we have 2 different workshops on offer, held on the same day. They are Long Term Athlete Development and Coaching Children & Young People. Please check out our workshop programme for further details - places are still available.

If you are in urgent need of updating your skills for First Aid, places are available on the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) First Aid workshop at Belgrave Sports Centre, Tamworth.

Please note that some sports have more stringent First Aid requirements for Clubmark and coaching purposes. Delegates are advised to check with their NGB before enrolling on this course in order to be sure.

Discussion and planning is currently taking place with regards to the planning of the Workshop Programme, and what to include for the remainder of the year up to the end of June 2009. So keep an eye on http://www.sportacrossstaffordshire.co.uk/live/welcome.asp?id=51 for more details.

We will continue to deliver regular workshops such as Safeguarding & Protecting Children, Equity in your Coaching and A Club for All and First Aid. Other workshops will be included based on the demand for what is required.

Please be advised that in cases of cancellations, a 5 working day notice period is required. Delegates can opt to change to another workshop or alternatively send another representative.

If you find that you cannot attend the workshops we have planned, contact Kam and she may be able to help you find alternatives.

For more information on the full list of workshops available please click here

Kam Webster
Acting Education and Training Officer
Tel: 01785 619695
Email: sassotadmin@staffordbc.gov.uk

Sporting Champions - have you read this news item?

Sporting Champions inspires young people by giving them the chance to meet their sporting heroes face-to-face and gives us the opportunity to bring world-class athletes into our local community.

All visits must support at least one of the key themes:

Increase participation in community sport
School and club links
Leadership and volunteering

Some visits may also be used for work with gifted and talented young people to support Sport England and the Government’s messaging around excellence.

Working with schools

Any school planning a community sport and not curriculum PE event can also apply for a Sporting Champions visit, through the County Sports Partnership, providing the key message is school and club links with a view to increasing participation outside of school.

Sporting Champions have around 20 visits up for grabs until 30 September 2008. So, if you have an event you wish to nominate to make the most of this great free scheme then please complete the application form and return to Leigh Morton ASAP.

Due to Sport England's strategic review, Sporting Champions are currently only able to confirm visits until 30 September 2008. They should shortly be receiving information from Sport England with regards to visits after this date and will disseminate that to you as soon as it's received.

In the meantime, if you do have events post September, you are still able to nominate them in the usual way by completing the application form. Sporting Champions will keep them on file to review once they have a steer from Sport England.

To read their latest newsletter click here.

For more information on Sport Champions:

Visit www.sportingchampions.org.uk

For more information contact:
Leigh Morton
Tel: 01785 619349
Email: lmorton@staffordbc.gov.uk

New Video Feature

Check out this new facility on our website and watch the video clip of Cannock Chase District Council's 'Chase It' project that was submitted by the CSP to represent the SASSOT sub-region at the BBC Midlands Sports Awards.

Video Clip

If you would like to promote your sport, club, or project, using this excellent promotional tool, simply send your short video clip as a avi file together with a brief description and contact details to:

Leigh Morton
Tel: 01785 619349
Email: lmorton@staffordbc.gov.uk

Staff Changes

Wendy Anderson

Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are sorry to be saying goodbye to our Active Recreation Manager, Wendy Anderson who will be joining the North Staffordshire Primary Care Trust as Principal Health Improvement Manager in July.

Wendy has been with the Partnership since October 2006 and during that time has done some tremendous work on developing the Community Sport Networks, links with Primary Care Trusts and other Partners involved in the Sport and Active Recreation agenda.

Wendy was also instrumental in ensuring the Partnership's Community Investment Fund portfolio was successfully submitted resulting in many initiative projects receiving funding.

Wendy's experience and enthusiasm will be missed by the SASSOT team but we are delighted that her talents will be retained within Staffordshire and that she will continue to work closely with us.

Emma Warren

We are delighted to welcome Emma Warren, Netball Development Officer for Staffordshire and the Black Country. To read more about Emma's background and what she aims to do in her new role click here.

Jobs and Careers

Don't forget forget to visit the jobs and careers page on our website as there is always something on offer that is not to be missed.

If you have a vacancy, be it a paid or a voluntary position, and want to advertise it for free, email it to Leigh Morton on lmorton@staffordbc.gov.uk

Shobnall hosts Special School stars

Athletes from the county's special schools were the stars of the day as Shobnall Leisure Centre hosted Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent's (SASSOT) Special Schools Sports Festival on Wednesday the 2nd of July.

Over 200 pupils from 12 of the County's Special Schools enjoyed a day to remember at the Sport Across Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Special Schools Sports Festival. The event took place at Shobnall Leisure Complex, Burton upon Trent and was sponsored by Qualitel Business Telecoms Specialists. The event provided a day to celebrate sport and to develop pathways for pupils to continue to participate in sport outside the school environment.

The athletes took part in coaching sessions and competed in events including zone hockey, tag rugby, cricket, football and athletics as the recent poor weather gave way to sunshine and smiling faces.

During the lunch interval, the athletes and supporters were treated to a hand-cycling demonstration by former GB Paralympian, Marcus Asbury. Marcus, who works as a Sports Development Officer, has had first hand experience of competing at the highest level in the Barcelona Paralympics in 1992. "Today has been all about participation. Despite disabled children experiencing a number of barriers, there are still opportunities, in terms of sport, for access and inclusion" he commented. "Who knows? We may have seen a budding 2012 Paralympics medal winner in the making here today."

The Mayor of East Staffordshire, along with a number of civic dignitaries from across the county, attended the festival and made a number of presentations to the successful teams. Councillor Liz Staples, Mayor of East Staffordshire commented, "The whole concept is exciting and worthwhile. It helps to bring children together for team sports and hopefully generates interest in sport that will last a lifetime."

The enjoyment on the faces of the young athletes was clear, especially those of the Tag Rugby team from Two Rivers School, Tamworth who won the Tag Rugby Competition for the fifth consecutive year.

Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Youth Games inspires Olympic hopefuls

The young starlets, who represented their local authority teams braved early showers to provide a fantastic sporting spectacle and as the sun began to shine the competition heated up.

Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent (SASSOT) sports manager Jane Kracke commented, “It was a wonderful day. All the hard work in putting the games together paid off. Thanks to all those who made the games happen, but a special thank you to all the competitors. We had some very high quality performances from our young athletes in all the sports competitions – I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a future Olympian amongst them.”

Youth Games 05 July 08

Young people from East Staffordshire (yellow) and South Staffordshire (plum) compete in the tag rugby event

The day, which was formally opened by The Right Worshipful The Lord Mayor of the City of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Derek Capey, started with an energetic display from dancers Signal 1 Hotshots who gave the audience of over 800 people an exhilarating hip hop and street dance demonstration. The competition then got underway, with athletes competing in girls’ football, girls’ cricket, tag rugby, table tennis, tennis and triathlon; in line with the Olympic spirit there was a demonstration of badminton and there were also taster sessions for those who wanted to try their hand at basketball and canoeing.

Youth Games 05 July 08

Competitors from Lichfield show-off their tennis trophy, medals and certificates

SASSOT’s director, Mark Thornewill was pleased with the success of the day adding “The event is a key element of the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent London 2012 Legacy Action Plan as we seek to build a lasting benefit for sport across the sub region. We are grateful to Fenton Manor and Roe Lane for providing their excellent facilities in support of the event. Thanks also to Mark Harrod Ltd and Highland Spring who donated sports equipment and water for the day – it was a tremendous occasion with great support."

Youth Games 05 July 08
Staffordshire Moorlands competitors take time out to have their faces painted

GB basketball star and former Stoke resident, Jo Sarjant was in attendance for the day as a Sporting Champion ambassador, giving a rousing speech during the opening ceremony to encourage the athletes to pursue their sporting dreams. Speaking to the assembled teams of athletes, Jo said “I used to dream of collecting a medal on a podium at a big event. By working hard and staying focused I achieved it by winning a Commonwealth bronze in Melbourne in 2006 – if I can do it anyone can”.

For more information contact:

Naomi Bird
Research and Marketing Officer
Tel: 01785 619585
Email: nbird@staffordbc.gov.uk

Coaches Conference

The Coaches Conference is an annual event with this year's being held on 12th October at Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent. There will be an extensive range of workshops available and the guest speaker for this year is athletics Olympic medalist Mark Richardson.

This all day event will contribute to greater recognition of the work of voluntary and paid coaches across Staffordshire and will add another tier of structured personal development opportunities for coaches in line with the aspirations of the Partnership coaching strategy.

The conference will provide an opportunity for both experienced and newly qualified coaches to develop their skills. Delegates will be able to choose both a morning and afternoon workshop from a comprehensive lists of workshops provided by Sportscoach Uk, Staffordshire University, Staffordshire County Council and National Governing Bodies of Sport.

Networking opportunities will be available on arrival and during the buffet lunch. Many of the workshops are accredited and delegates will received a formal qualification on completion of the course.

The workshops that will be available are:

Sports Psychology
Sports Nutrition
Introduction To Core Stability
Analyse Your Coaching
Developing Power & Speed
Introduction To FUNdamentals of Movement
Managing Behaviour
How To Coach Sport Effectively
How To Coach Disabled People In Sport
Educational Awareness

The sport specific workshops are:

Basketball
Athletics
Swimming

Detailed event information and booking details will be made available shortly and will also be posted on the Sport Across Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent website www.sportacrossstaffordshire.co.uk

For more information contact:

Ben Hollands
Workforce Development Officer
Tel: 01785 619317
Email: bhollands@staffordbc.gov.uk

Tony's big splash

South Staffordshire Council’s Leisure Services Manager is celebrating after being selected to Referee the swimming events in the Paralympic Games in Beijing later this year.

Tony Ward started his own swimming career, specialising in the 100m freestyle, before later becoming a British and European record holder in Masters swimming events.

He started officiating at the age of 16, and has already refereed 3 World Cups and the 2006 Disability World Championships in South Africa - but now finds himself on his way to referee the most demanding aspect of swimming in the Olympic programme.

South Staffordshire District Council

One of only 8 international referees worldwide for disability swimming, Tony sits on the National Masters Committee, West Midland Masters Committee and is the current President of Staffordshire Swimming Association.

Tony said: "I am delighted and honoured to have been invited to Referee in Beijing by the International Paralympic Committee. I know it will be hard work and a lot of pressure during the two weeks of the games but hopefully I will bring back some happy memories.

I really hope that the Olympics and Paralympics will help highlight the excellent work volunteers do up and down the country."

Water Cube at Night

Councillor Robert Marshall, Deputy Leader, Community Services at South Staffordshire Council added: "We are all delighted and very proud to hear that Tony will be going to the Paralympics. It is a wonderful opportunity for Tony, and I hope local young people will be inspired by what he’s doing and see that there should be no limits to what they can achieve."

Flying the Flag - London 2012

A number of ‘Flying the Flag – London 2012’ events are taking place across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent on Sunday 24 August. These events mark the handover from Beijing to London and the start of a four year journey for the UK and Staffordshire which aims to ensure that the 2012 Games are a resounding success and achieve wide ranging benefits for people in the County.

Local authorities across the Country have been invited to apply for a special London 2012 Handover Flag, which will be raised to coincide with the moment that the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, receives the Olympic Flag from the Mayor of Beijing. A major event outside Buckingham Palace in London will also be taking place later in the afternoon, which will be televised on BBC1 from approximately 3.45pm.

Below are the details of events happening in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent:

Cannock

Event

Pete's Party at Chase Leisure Centre on Friday 22 August, including handover of the London 2012 Flag by swimmer Emma Wilkins

Flag Location

Cannock Chase Council Civic Offices

Contact
Wayne Goodwin
01543 462621
WayneGoodwin@cannockchasedc.gov.uk

East Staffordshire

Event

Free activities at Meadowside, Shobnall and Uttoxeter Leisure Centres and Flying the Flag at the Town Hall

Flag Location

Town Hall, Burton upon Trent

Contact

Nigel Stubbs
01283 508862
nigel.stubbs@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk

Lichfield

Event

Junior 'Olympic Handover' Triathlon at Friary Grange Leisure Centre, including handover of the London 2012 Flag

Flag Location

Lichfield District Council offices

Contact

Phil Kelly
01543 308842
phil.kelly@lichfielddc.gov.uk

Newcastle

Event & Flag Location
To be confirmed

Contact

Andrew Arnott
01782 717717
andrew.arnott@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk

South Staffordshire

Event

Summer Concert

Flag Location
Baggeridge Country Park

Contact
Abbie O'Leary
01902 696525
a.oleary@sstaffs.gov.uk

Stafford

Event

Flying the Flag at Shire Hall Gallery and Guildhall Shopping Centre with young 2012 hopefuls and former Olympic and Paralympic athletes

Flag Location
Shire Hall Gallery and Guildhall Shopping Centre

Contact
Chris Kirkland
01785 854595
chris.kirkland@staffordshire.gov.uk

Stoke-on-Trent

Event

Flying the Flag, London 2012 City of Sport event. A free family fun day at Dimensions Leisure Centre, Scotia Road, Burslem. Doors open and taster activities commence at 10.00am until 4.00pm. Free archery, fencing, climbing wall, football coaching, basketball skills, swimming, indoor bowls, handball, boxercise, street dance, mini water polo and a unique urban obstacle race for 11 - 16 year olds.

Flag raising ceremony is at 2.30pm.

Flag Location
Dimensions Leisure Centre

Contact
Vanessa Darlington
01782 236156
vanessa.darlington@stoke.gov.uk

Tamworth

Event
Tamworth Summer Festival at Tamworth Castle with sports competitions for families, raising of the Handover Flag on the Castle and cannon fire

Flag Location
Tamworth Castle

Contact
Elanor Thompson
01827 709314
Elanor-Thompson@tamworth.gov.uk

Staffordshire pupil wins trip to 2008 Paralympic Games

Ten-year-old Reece Berrisford from St Peter’s C of E (Aided) Primary School in Caverswall, Stoke-on-Trent is celebrating after having won a five-day trip to the Beijing Paralympic Games which run from 6-17 September.

The Visa Trip Package includes flights and accommodation, tickets to the Opening Ceremony and sporting events, along with visits to key cultural and tourist sites.

St Peter’s Primary School was one of the first to register their details on the London 2012 Paralympic Handover website: all schools which registered by 25 June were entered into a draw to win the trip to Beijing.

As the winner had to be aged at least 10 years in September, Headteacher Adrian Dipple held a draw to select one child from the pupils in Year 5.

As part of the school’s prize, a team from London 2012 visited St Peter’s Primary School earlier today (17^th July) to help the whole school plan their Paralympic Handover celebrations.

County Councillor Maureen Compton, who is one of the Staffordshire representatives for the West Midlands Leadership Group for the 2012 Games said: “Congratulations to Reece! This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the Paralympic Games first hand. The Paralympic Handover marks the start build up to the London 2012 Games and the beginning of the London 2012 Education Programme. The Paralympic Handover offers a unique opportunity for schools and colleges to be a part of the celebrations. It is not too late for schools to register for an online education resource developed by London 2012 to help support children and young people in planning and leading celebrations on 17 September. “

Reece, who will be accompanied by his father, Mark Berrisford, will assume the role of reporter during his trip to Beijing. He will take photos and write blogs for the London 2012 website to share his experience with his fellow pupils and other young people across the UK.

Reece Berrisford said: ‘It's a fantastic opportunity, not many children get the chance to visit China and attend the Paralympic Games. I am very excited about the trip and am looking forward to my new job as a reporter!'’

Reece Berrisford

Pictured above: Reece Berrisford from St Peter’s C of E (Aided) Primary School in Caverswall

Headteacher, Adrian Dipple added: ‘We are thrilled that our school won the prize and delighted that Reece has been given this opportunity. We are excited about the countdown to the London 2012 Games, and the Paralympic Handover event will give our preparations a fantastic start. We are expecting Reece to come back with fantastic tales of his adventure in Beijing.’

The Paraylympic Handover education resource is available to schools and colleges at: www.london2012.com/.

To find out more about the Paralympic Handover or the London 2012 Games please contact: Chris Kirkland, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Co-ordinator for the 2012 Games on 01785 854595 or email: chris.kirkland@staffordshire.gov.uk

Staffordshire Cricket update

It's been a great month for Staffordshire Cricket with a number of players receiving representative honours and a launch of a brand new website.

Staffordshire Cricket has launched its new website.

www.staffordshirecricket.co.uk

In a re branding of the Staffordshire Cricket Board and the Staffordshire young cricketers, all things will now come under the new heading.

In an exciting venture and to co-incide with the appointment of new cricket development manager Jason Britton, the website is packed with help and information to help clubs develop continuous growth.

There is help with development plans, clubmark and groundsman assistance.

The news section concentrates on all the happenings of local players doing well for their county and country as well as news from the county club team in the minor counties championship.

On the coaching front, academy head coach Alan Hill has put on a coaching matrix to allow clubs to understand what each age group in their club should be concentrating on.

Coach education is covered and the middle of august will see Stephen Walker the staffs cricket support officer launch the 2008-9 coach education leaflet on the website. This gives information on all the courses run in Staffordshire during this timeframe.

Andy Grice the marketing and funding director for the board has a funding and fundraising page whereby you can download all the help available in grants and loans from the ECB.

The website is a quality tool for any cricket club or supporter and well worth a read.

www.staffordshirecricket.co.uk

Staffs Cricket Stars Celebrate Representative Success

Nine of Staffordshire young cricketers have received representative honours in the last few weeks.

Two of the County’s u17 girls have had national call-ups being selected as part of the England Women’s Academy to play two 50-over matches and a Twenty20 match against international opposition ahead of the full international women’s series. Staffordshire duo Georgia Elwiss (who was named Most Improved Player at this year’s Super 4s Competition) and Danielle Wyatt are named in the squad, having recently featured in record-breaking open partnership for the county in a crushing victory over Wales. Georgia (108 not out) and Dani (97) put on a double century first wicket partnership of 203.

Four of the county’s u17 boys squad have been selected for the Midlands; Jack Manual, Ben McGuire, Michael Hill and Alex Hughes have all been selected for the upcoming u17 National Festival Friends Provident Trophy; Joe Leach is also on standby for the tournament which will take place at the National Cricket Performance Centre at Loughborough.

Sam Kelsall and Greg Chance from the county’s u15 squad have been selected to represent the Midlands at the Bunbury Festival.

Jack Manuel Selected For England U17

SCB is delighted to congratulate Jack Manuel on his selection for England U17 squad to play New Zealand U19s at Sleaford CC, Lincs. on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 21, 22 & 23 July.

Jack has been selected on his performances for Midlands U17 at the recent regional U17 festival at ECB National Academy over the past week. During the festival, he scored 121 not out against the North in a match which the Midlands won conclusively.

In addition, Jack has scored consistently well when playing for Worcestershire CCC 2nd XI and on the basis of his performances, has been granted a summer contract.

Jack has progressed through the ranks of Staffordshire youth cricket, starting at an early age, and everyone within the county is delighted that he has achieved this goal and wishes him well during these games and in the future.

Alan Hill, EPP Head Coach, remarked:
‘ We are all really pleased that Jack has achieved this ambition and we hope that this is just the start of his rise in the game. Through hard work and desire, he has developed his game over the past couple of seasons and this is a just reward for his efforts.
Hopefully, other players playing at county level will look at Jack’s achievement and seek to match and if possible, emulate it.’

Jack Manuel and Sam Kelsall In The Runs

Tamworth left handed batsman Jack Manuel scored an impressive hundred on his England Under 17's debut yesterday.
Playing against New Zealand under 19's, Jack played a majestic innings impressing everyone on the ground at Sleaford.

After batting first England were in a strong position going into the final over but the junior Kiwis won the game by scoring 21 off the final over.

Sam Kelsall the Moddershall right handed batsman is also away this week, playing in the Bunbury under 15 festival at Sedbergh School in Cumbria.
Sam scored 86 on the first day to further his claims to play in higher grades of cricket.

Meir Heath Girls go through to National Finals

Meir Heath under 15 girls have won the regional final of the lady Taverners competition.
Meir Heath, under head coach Dave Ford, go forward to the national finals later this year.

Regional Kwik Cricket Finals at Edgabaston

St Lukes of Endon came second in the regional finals of the Asda Girls kwik cricket competition.

St Lukes of Endon

After losing narrowly to St Alphege from Warwickshire by four runs,the St Lukes girls went on to play brilliantly.

Three victories followed as St Lukes made a concerted effort to gain top spot in the group but the Warwickshire school remained undefeated.

Dunstall Hill from Wolverhampton represented Staffordshire in the Asda open Kwik Cricket Regional Finals.

Dunstall Hill

Dunstall Hill played some superb cricket to win two games of their four.

Claverley Primary from Shropshire won the tournament and go through to the national finals at Grace Road Leicester.

For more information contact:

Jason Britton
Cricket Development Manager
Mobile: 07827 307745
E-mail: jason.britton@ecb.co.uk

Visit our new website www.staffordshirecricket.co.uk

27 Little Stoke young cricketers playing representative cricket

An incredible 27 young players have been selected for either Staffordshire Youth Charity or District Squads in 2008. This figure has got to be a record for any club in Staffordshire with the highest numbers coming from Little Stoke's Girls Squad.

Little Stoke have just completed the 5^th year of their 10 year development plan which lists finding and developing young talent as a key objective. Other objectives which have already been achieved are gaining Clubmark, forming a Cricket Academy, Club School Link Agreement, building a link with Nottinghamshire CCC and the formation of an Emerging Players Group.

Little Stoke Cricket Academy, only in its second season, can take the credit for providing so many top quality young players. The objectives of finding and developing young talent, then preparing that talent for representative honours, finally managing their development towards senior cricket are the measured goals for all young players at Little Stoke.

Key to this success is the pivotal role played by Little Stoke's Academy Coaches within defined structure with most of the important coaching work taking place in either winter or pre-season sessions.

To maintain development this season, Little Stoke has formed two new development squads at Under 17's and Under 13's level. These squads are regarded as Emerging Player Squads and the progress of these players are being coached and monitored closely by two of Staffordshire most successful and experienced coaches, Graham Warner and Mick Womble. Players who are selected to these squads have fit special criteria, which is both challenging and demanding for any young player, but the results are already plain to see. For more details go to www.littlestoke.play-cricket.com.

Little Stoke’s Autumn Coaching Programme will shortly be available and will see, for the first time, Nottinghamshire Academy Coaches working with Little Stoke Academy members, details of which are available from:

Tim Fielding
Academy Manager
Tel: 01889 271275

Your game, your say, our goal

Staffordshire FA is pleased to announce the launch of its new strategy for 2008-2012. The strategy has been formulated on the back of an intensive consultation process both through events and online questionnaires and dovetails the FA’s National Strategy.

The strategy is set around four key goals Growth and Retention, Raising Standards, Better Players and Running the Game and three enablers Workforce, Facilities and Marketing and Promotion. All aspects of the game are covered through these areas and should ensure that football in Staffordshire continues to grow and prosper.

Andy Weston, County Development Manager for Staffordshire FA, added “This strategy is for everyone involved in football in Staffordshire. We have some important challenges ahead of us and some key targets to reach by 2012. In order for the game to grow, some of the areas we need to target are improving and building more facilities, the recruitment and retaining of referees, improved behaviour on and off the field and better skill focus of young players. To do this it essential we continue to engage and work with all our key stakeholders to help us achieve our goals.”

To view the strategy summary click here.

For copies of the strategy and how you can get involved please visit www.staffordshirefa.com or for further details please call 01785 256994.

Schools go FA cup crazy

Rowley Park in Stafford was the venue for the annual E.ON National FA Cup Schools Day organised by Staffordshire Football Association. FA Charter Standard Schools from all over the County converged on Stafford to take part in the festival on Wednesday 18th June.

Around 300 boys & girls aged between 9 and 13 competed in the festival, which was themed around the most famous cup competition in the world.

The pitches for the event were all named after FA Cup semi-final and final venues, and an imitation Wembley Arch was also erected in the park. All of the schools who took part in the festival had been given a previous FA Cup winning club to research prior to the day, and themed their appearance at the festival around their chosen club.

Wembley Arch Photo

Underneath ‘The Wembley Arch’ are St. Joseph’s Primary School from Rugeley who are pictured with their medals, pennants, posters and kits relating to their respective FA Cup winning club.

Every player who took part in the festival received a medal and a certificate from The FA’s education partner E.ON.

Football Development Officer, Gareth Thomas commented: “Despite the poor weather, all of the children really enjoyed the day and many of the schools had obviously put in a tremendous amount of work prior to the festival researching their chosen FA Cup winning Club.” He added: “The emphasis of the day was to have fun and to show what the power of football can do, not just on a pitch, but also educationally in the classroom too.”

For more information contact:

Gareth Thomas
Football Development Officer
Staffordshire FA

T: 01785 256994 (Option 2)
M: 07815 295723
E: Gareth.Thomas@staffordshirefa.com

Introducing the new Staffordshire Netball Development Officer

Emma Warren is the new Staffordshire Netball Development Officer replacing Carly Beach who has gone on to become Regional Manager in the West Midlands for England Netball.

Her background is firmly in netball as a player and coach, having achieved national club level and representing her former University, Nottingham Trent at the BUSA championship shield final in 2008. She studied Sport Science with I.T at the Nottingham Trent University where she took a keen interest in the development of netball and was nominated as captain in her final year.

In her new role, her overall aim is to get more people in Staffordshire and the Black Country playing netball. To achieve this aim she will work with young people and schools, be involved with club development by increasing the number of clubs accredited and to create strong links between schools and clubs.

Other roles include increasing the number of officials and coaches as well as maintaining and co-ordinating leagues within Staffordshire and the Black Country in order to maintain a standard for youngsters to participate in.

If you require any information or assistance with regard to Netball in Staffordshire, then please do not hesitate to contact Emma on:

Tel: 01785 619605
Mob: 07800 619605
Email: ewarren@staffordbc.gov.uk

Rugeley swimming pool public opening

Cannock Chase Council is pleased to announce the public opening weekend of Rugeley swimming pool on Saturday 26^th and Sunday 27^th July 2008. This project has been made possible by £500,000 National Lottery funding through Sport England's Community Investment Fund.

The Leisure Centre is a Dual Use Facility and was awarded the ‘Excellent’ badge by Quest when it scored 85% in May 2008.

On Saturday 26^th July, they will be joined at the exciting occasion by the former European and Commonwealth Champion Swimmer Adam Whitehead, and by the Children and Young People Leader, Cllr Neil Stanley.

Adam Whitehead the former European and Commonwealth Champion Swimmer will be opening the pool along will Cllr Neil Stanley; then after offering some words of inspiration for fellow athletes and signing autographs; Mr Whitehead will be escorted on a tour of the leisure centre facilities.

Rugeley Leisure Centre July 08.JPG

Rugeley Leisure Centre

Children and Young People Leader, Cllr Neil Stanley said; 'This will be a fabulous occasion for the whole family. We are very proud to have the former European and Commonwealth Champion Adam Whitehead join us in opening the swimming pool.

Rugeley residents have waited a long time to get a swimming pool – not only have they got a state of the art six lane swimming pool, but a modern leisure centre, which has also been improved and extended during the development. These extra facilities will be beneficial for all ages, so please come along and enjoy!'

Cannock Chase District in partnership with South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust will be providing free swimming for all under 16's at both Chase and Rugeley Leisure Centres during the summer holidays.

For more information on the leisure centre visit Cannock Chase District Council's website at www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk

For more information contact:

Mike Worsnop
Leisure & Major Projects
Cannock Chase District Council
T: 01543 464590
E: MikeWorsnop@cannockchasedc.gov.uk

Schools out and it's time to PLAY

The new Play Ranger project is funded by the Big Lottery for the next 3 Years.

Its aim is to promote free play in parks and open spaces during the school holidays and within the schools across the district during term time.

The play rangers will be providing equipment, encouraging play opportunities for families and children between the age of 5 and 13.

So come along and enjoy the fun, meet up with friends or make new ones.

Chase It

For more information please contact:

Tracey Carroll
Senior Play Development Officer
T: 07989683501
Email: chaseit@cannockchasedc.gov.uk

You can also find more information on the Cannock Chase Council website www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk

Summer's arrived at Stafford Borough

Rural Stafford comes ‘5 Alive’ this Summer!

Stafford Borough Council Leisure Services and the Children’s Fund are pleased to give you the 5 Alive Project. This project is aimed at getting into some of the more rural areas of the borough to ensure that all children have access to some of the holiday activities.

The scheme started on Monday 21 July, and runs through until Friday 22 August 2008. There are two sessions each day running from 10am to 12noon, and from 1pm to 3pm, and sessions are open to anyone aged 8 to 14 years.

5 Alive is a FREE fun based project that will be centred around sport and the arts. A wide variety of activities will be on offer to all children who attend this course. Just turn up at the centre and register on the day (a parent or guardian will need to sign the form), and you can start enjoying your summer fun!

5 Alive

Pictured above: Nathan Grant (13), Jack Roberts (13), Shawn Jones (14), Matt Barnfather (12), Jules Kendrick (Sports Coordinator), Niall Grant (11)

There is also a special needs inclusion project running in conjunction with this scheme, which is supported by The Big Lottery Fund and the Community Council of Staffordshire. This project enables children aged 8 to 14 with special needs to attend the mainstream 5 Alive scheme with suitable support. It is essential that you phone Clare Newton on 01785 619308 prior to attending the session to discuss your exact requirements. Alternatively email: cnewton@staffordbc.gov.uk.

The 5 Alive scheme runs at Christchurch Middle School in Stone on Mondays, St Lawrence Primary School in Gnosall on Tuesdays, Haughton Village Hall on Wednesdays, Bishop Lonsdale School in Eccleshall on Thursdays, and at Anson Primary School in Great Haywood on Fridays.

For more information contact Jenny Moore on 01785 619565 or email jmoore@staffordbc.gov.uk

“Stafford Borough Council is committed to ensuring that there is a great choice of affordable activities for youngsters in the community over the summer”, said Mike Smith, Cabinet Member for Leisure, “and the new heritage activities at the High House, Castle and Izaak Walton’s Cottage, are proving extremely popular.”

Pick up a copy of Get Out, the essential guide to activities in and around Stafford over the summer months, or down load a copy at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/getout for some great ideas on how to have a fun-packed holiday this summer.

Other activities include: creative heritage workshops at Stafford Castle, The Ancient High House and Stafford Castle; Summer Drama Workshop at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre; activities and fun at Stafford Leisure Centre with Extended Schools Activities; sports and fun passes at Alleyne’s Sports Centre; and an exciting range of sports courses from mountain biking and netball to golf and Star Track Athletics.

Also keep an eye out for the mobile skate park which will be visiting Stone, Hixon, Stafford and Gnosall over the coming weeks, or alternatively visit one of your local parks (Rowley, Westbridge, Victoria or Wildwood) and experience a whole range of fun and exciting activity sessions delivered by qualified play rangers. Sessions are for 8 to 15 year olds between 1.00pm and 5.00pm and will run Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays at Rowley and Victoria Parks and Mondays & Thursdays at Wildwood and Westbridge Parks. Tel 01785 619308 for more information.

Summer Star:track 2008

As part of Stafford Borough Council’s summer holiday activity scheme, the Leisure Services Sport Development team, building on the success of previous years, have organised two weeks of Star:track Athletics. And once again, the scheme is proving to be hugely popular.

Over 80 aspiring young athletes aged between 8 and 15 have already signed up to benefit from professional coaching in a variety of running, jumping and throwing events. ‘Sporting Champion’, James Hiller, who won the Commonwealth Games Silver Medal with the 4 x 400m relay team in 2002, will be visiting the young athletes on Friday 1^st August, and inspiring them to achieve to the best of their ability.

James Hillier

“Sporting Champions is a Sport England initiative, which brings world-class athletes face-to-face with young people to inspire and motivate them to participate in sport,” explains Mike Smith, Cabinet Member for Leisure.

Clare Newton, Athletics Development Officer for Leisure Services added, “Star:track attracts a range of ability levels from beginners to national standard junior athletes and everyone that goes along, enjoys the friendly atmosphere and fun based competition structure which is typical of the Star:track programme.

“And this year, a high coach athlete ratio, will enable the delivery of a good quality athletics programme.”

The final day will take the form of a team competition, ending with a grand prix relay event, followed by presentations made by James Hillier. Awards will be given to a range of athletes, from those showing the best attitude throughout the scheme, to those who have improved the most, and also for the winning team.

For more information on how to sign up, please contact Clare Newton on 01785 619308 or email cnewton@staffordbc.gov.uk. Alternatively, information is contained within the 2008 Get Out brochure, which can be downloaded at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/getout.

0-16’s Swim Free this Summer!

If you are aged 0 to 16-years, or if you are an adult accompanying a 0 to 16 year old to Stafford Leisure Centre or Alleyne’s Sports Centre this summer, you will swim for free!

Stafford Borough Council Leisure Services and Stafford and Surrounds Locality Commissioning Group have come together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to keep fit for free between Monday 21 July and Friday 29 August 2008. Normal prices are £1.70 per 1hr child session and £3.40 per 1hr adult session, so this really is a great opportunity to stay fit for less this July and August.

Olivia Clifford

Pictured above: Olivia Clifford

The Stafford and Surrounds Locality Commissioning Group as part of the PCT (Primary Care Trust), commission services on behalf of its patients in and around Stafford. The aim of practices is to commission clinically effective care pathways. In addition, they have also been tasked with commissioning public health and health promotion activities, with monies provided by the Department of Health’s ‘Choosing Health’ programme.

As part of this scheme to prevent ill health and to promote well being for all, the PBC and Stafford Borough Council have come together to offer all 0 to 16 year olds, along with an accompanying adult, the opportunity to swim for free at Stafford Leisure Centre or at Alleyne’s Sports Centre in Stone over the summer holidays.

The Stafford and Surrounds PBC are also providing Adult and Families Weight Management programmes, and programmes to help individuals to stop smoking. The group are also commissioning services to reduce health inequalities and improve life expectancy through such projects as ‘The Signpost Centre’ in Highfields and now the Stafford Community Shop, which will be open very soon in the Guildhall Shopping Centre.

Session Times will run from Monday to Friday, 10am to 12noon. Simply turn up at Stafford Leisure Centre or Alleyne’s Sports Centre, and register at reception to gain entry to your free session.

Steve Powell, Chair of the Stafford and Surrounds PBC Group commented, “We are supporting many local projects to maximise health benefits in Stafford and Surrounds. As part of our Health and Wellbeing Programme (Choosing Health) we are only too pleased to be working in partnership with Stafford Borough Council’s Leisure Services to provide free swimming to families and young people during the school holidays. We hope that local people will take this offer up and encourage people to become active for life.”

Mike Smith, Cabinet Member for Leisure added, “We are really pleased to be able to offer these free swim sessions, this is a great opportunity for the young people of Stafford and surrounds to get active. The Government are pushing free swims for under 16s, and it’s fantastic that through our partnership with the PBC Group we are able to get ahead of the game this summer.”

There is no limit on the number of sessions you can attend, so come along and have a splashing time in Stafford and Stone this summer!

"Health and fitness is on everybody's agenda at the moment so we anticipate that the free sessions will be very popular," commented Adam Hill, Head of Leisure. "Keen swimmers should get there early to guarantee their spot."

For more information contact: 01785 619500.

Stoke-on-Trent Youth Offending Fit Academy

Young people who are in contact with the Youth Offending Service in Stoke-on-Trent and have a keen interest in sport have been offered the opportunity to improve their fitness and achieve the ASDAN award for Sport and Fitness. The young people take part in a variety of activities to promote healthy lifestyles and assess their fitness over the duration of the course.

Stoke-on-Trent Youth Offending Service value the positive benefits of sport and physical activity and have worked with Closing the Gap to identify aims that meet the objectives of both organisations. Closing the Gap have created a product that the Youth Offending Service can adopt and use to fulfil this criteria. The course is designed to be a rolling programme to allow the young people to be referred onto the course in week 8 and complete in week 7 of the next course.

Closing the Gap

The fit academy is a programme that measures the fitness levels of the young people and promotes all aspects of a healthy lifestyle to improve health and fitness in the young people that attend over the 10 week course. Every aspect of the course can be evidenced to credit the young people that take part with the ASDAN award for Sport and Fitness. There are various levels of this award available depending on the number of hours that each individual completes, and its flexibility allows participants to develop aspects that most interest them.

We are just nearing the end of the pilot course and have already made improvements to the next course through feedback from current participants. The course has been enjoyed by all participants and there is something to interest or learn for everyone.

For more information please use the contact details below for Briony Seymour,
Closing the Gap Programme Champion and Duke of Edinburgh Award Access Officer Staffordshire StreetGames Festival 2008 organiser:

Email: briony.seymour@stoke.gov.uk
Mobile: 07765 897 661
Phone: 01782 235001
Website: www.stoke.gov.uk/ccm/navigation/leisure/sports/

Sport England Update

Sport revealed as a priority for local authorities

SE Press release SE, 1 July
Sport England today welcomed the news that promoting participation in sport is one of the top 20 priorities for local authorities in England.

The results of a comprehensive shake-up of council targets demonstrates that more than half the new Local Area Agreements (LAAs) now include adult participation in sport as a key priority.

These new LAAs have been negotiated to reflect the issues that really matter to local people.…
Read in full on the SE website

Also, see item below in the Government section – where the details in LAA priorities are referred to.

‘Taking Part Survey’ – latest results

New figures released from the ‘Taking Part Survey’ (DCMS) show that there has been an increase in adults doing three 30 minute sessions of sport a week.

Results from the first six months of the third year of the study show that 21.6% of the nation’s adults now participate in ‘moderate intensity sport’ three times a week compared to 20.2% in the period July to December 2005 - the first six months of the survey.
There is still a lot of work to be done though and one key disappointment was that there was a significant decrease in people with limiting disabilities participating in active sport when comparing the most recent 12 months of available data and the final baseline estimates from year one.

Please click here to view Year 3 first 6 months report.

Sports information packs and comparative sport data

Sport England has recently published detailed sport information packs, which bring together data from the Active People Survey, the Taking Part Survey, and Sport England's market segmentation.

These are now available on our website, under a new section called 'sports facts', and also referenced under the 'latest research' page. The links are:

http://www.sportengland.org/index/get_resources/research/sport_fact_sheets.htm

http://www.sportengland.org/index/get_resources/research/latest_research.htm

Sport and Coaching

New Centre for Coaching Excellence

A new centre designed to enhance coaching excellence has been opened at Leeds Metropolitan University. The coaching centre is the first of its kind in the UK and is designed to train professional coaches. The centre will be run by a world-class Coaching Faculty who will look to pass on their expertise to the future generation of coaches.

The centre will focus on developing four areas of coaching; these include high performance coaches (to work with elite athletes), performer development coaches (to identify talent), participation coaches (who will primarily work in the community) and children’s coaches.

For further information please see here

Sport and Dance

Additional funding to be made available for dance opportunities for young people

Culture Minister, Margaret Hodge MP, has today announced that more than £100,000 is to be made available for greater dance opportunities for young people, including classes in body popping, polka and pirouettes.

The additional funding will enable Youth Dance England to continue their work as part of the PE and Sport Strategy for Young People, as well as providing for greater links between schools and local dance schools to bring a variety of dance experiences to pupils.

For more information, click here

Sport and the Regions

DCMS Regional Infrastructure Review

The Minister for Culture, Margaret Hodge MP, has outlined a new framework for the four key agencies within the DCMS to work together to deliver a shared set of priorities. The four agencies earmarked are Sport England, the Arts Council England, English Heritage, and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council. The four bodies will be expected to work together to ensure a joined-up approach across a number of different areas, including local area agreements, regional strategies, local government commitment to culture and sport, place shaping, and liaising with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG)

In issuing this new approach, the Culture Minister announced that the work done by Regional Cultural Consortia would come to an end, with their responsibilities being absorbed by the four bodies within their new collaborative framework. The long term aim of the infrastructure changes is to ensure better savings and redistribution of funds.

For more information please see here

Sport and Communities

New funding provision for communities outlined

A new funding package for deprived communities has been outlined by the Communities Minister Baroness Andrews. The package includes over £250 million new funding, in addition to the £230 million announced previously, to help communities across a broad range of areas, including improving education standards and lowering crime rates. This announcement is the latest in a series of funding provisions for the 39 Communities within the New Deal programme, and forms part of a £2bn package aimed at improving deprived areas.

For further information please see here

MJ Achievement awards

Please view the LGA site to view the list of winners

Congratulations to the winners from our region:
Staffordshire County Council – Children’s services

Birmingham City Council – Legal
Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council – Reducing health inequalities

Also, our congratulations to all other councils short listed for the awards this year.

Respect Athlete Mentoring Programme (RAMP)

Please click on the links below to view the RAMP documents:

A brochure introducing RAMP

RAMP Evaluation Report

RAMP Case Study - Fiona Neale, Birmingham

House of Commons & House of Lords – sport questions

House of Commons Questions

Cunningham – Physical Activity: Elderly

Tue, 24 June 2008 | House of Commons – Written Answer
Contents

Mr. Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what steps the Government have taken to encourage pensioners to take more physical exercise; [212266] ……………………………………………..

Buck – Schools (Sports)